Roll Call Tribute

Robert L. "Bob" Giles, Jr. 

April 7, 1929 - March 18, 2025 

Robert L. Giles (Sonny), born April 7, 1929, in Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2025, at the age of 95.

Sonny graduated from San Jacinto High School in 1946 and attended Texas A&M University from 1946 to 1951, where he was active in the Corps of Cadets. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for four years as a research test stand officer at the Redstone Rocket Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

A dedicated businessman, Sonny was a Ford dealer in Denison, Texas, from 1960 to 1970. He then purchased a Volkswagen-Volvo dealership in Texas City, Texas, where he served as a dealer from 1970 through 1984. He was active in the National Auto Dealers Association for over 25 years, building a reputation as a respected leader in the automotive industry.

Sonny had a deep love for aviation, piloting his own Beech Bonanza, and an even greater passion for sailing. He enjoyed racing his sailboat, Cache, and sailing to the Bahamas. As a longtime member of the Lakewood Yacht Club, he participated annually in the Harvest Moon Regatta, where he often placed among the top competitors.

His adventurous spirit led him to travel the world, visiting destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond, including Greece, the Black Sea region, Egypt, Dubai, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, China, Thailand, Japan, and Korea.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. Giles Sr. and Nell Montgomery Giles; his sister, Janet Giles Veal; his beloved wife of 56 years, Beverly Burns Giles (2016); and his son, David Allen Giles (2024). He is survived by his brother, Perry Montgomery Giles; his loving companion of five years, Mary Lou Tyer; his children, Janet Giles Ballard, Robert Earl Giles (Bobby) and Suzanne Giles Boenker; seven grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

Memorial services to celebrate Sonny’s life will be held Saturday March 22, at 11AM at Friendswood Methodist Church, Friendswood, Texas, and a reception following the memorial service will be at 1503 Carolina Court, Friendswood, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Texas A&M University.

Robert’s legacy of adventure, determination, and love for family will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him.

IN THE CARE OF
Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home & Forest Park Lawndale